Whether you are using a public network, torrenting, trying to bypass government restrictions or simply trying to maintain a level of privacy and security while you are using the internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the tool you need. Recently there have been developments in terms of compatibility with Google Chrome due to an update that fixed a security hole. This has brought a new wave of attention to the service, and many people are now considering getting one.
Here are some things that you need to know:
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network is a service that will connect your computer to an offsite secure server using an encrypted connection. This encrypted connection will act as a “tunnel” that will keep your data safe and confidential as it travels over a network. You will also be able to connect to servers in different countries that you can choose from, which confers many benefits.
While it originally developed for businesses so that employees could connect to an office network while at home or abroad, the technology has since been adapted for consumer use. VPN providers will often use a subscription service in order to justify their costs, with many variations.
Benefits
Due to the properties of the VPN, there are many uses (both intentional and unintentional) for it that people take advantage of. The most prominent of these is its security and privacy properties, as a VPN safely allows people to use the internet on an unprotected public network where hackers would otherwise intercept sensitive information (including financial information). This benefit is conferred regardless of the network and grants a greater level of freedom to the user.
Chrome Users interested in torrenting will also want to use a VPN in order to maintain their privacy when torrenting so there aren’t any issues. The server you are connected to masks the IP address that you have, meaning that no one will be able to track you. In fact, anyone wishing to mask their IP address will find use here.
Some of the greatest benefits, however, are utilized by travelers. Travelers often have subscription services such as streaming websites that will have regional restrictions placed on them, making it so that the user can’t access the services they paid for. Similarly, government bodies might place restrictions on websites or censor the internet outright. Since a VPN makes you look as though you are browsing in a different country, you can set this to a country where the restrictions are not an issue.
New Safety Update
Of special note to Chrome Users is that recently an extension came out that patched a hole in the security of those that used VPNs, making the two a much better match. What happened was that before, if a few lines of code were added while using a special server, then Local Area Networks and IP addresses could be easily discovered, which defeats the purpose of the VPN. A fix was then released so that there are now no problems with using a VPN while more solutions are developed. You still might see different sources say that VPNs aren’t safe, but try to consider those outdated now.
How to Use VPNs in Chrome
There are two ways in Chrome to get a VPN working for you. The first is to find a chrome VPN extension on the Google Play store that will install itself right into Chrome. This will generally work from the go, and you can change any settings you need to right from the extension page or icon. While this can of course vary from VPN to VPN, you can consider yourself protected.
Alternatively, you can use the settings page in Google Chrome to set one up that isn’t necessarily a direct extension or app for Google Chrome. To do this you open settings then advanced settings, and then find proxy settings. After opening this, you should find a button for adding a VPN. Once this is open, you add your information, and then you should be all set; although you should perform a test to see if it works before you try anything where you will rely on the VPN.
Which VPN to Use
There are a number of VPNs out there, and they are not all equal. Some of them are free but don’t have nearly as many features, and others are too expensive while giving you little for your dollar. They can vary in level of protection, number of servers available, the number of countries in which servers are available, and other small features. Chrome users will of course, want one that is compatible with Google Chrome, as not every VPN works so easily with it. In order to find the perfect VPN for you, you may want to consider reading some reviews.
Thank you for reading. I hope these tips help you know what a VPN can do for you and your privacy when using Google Chrome.
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